Pieris japonica Pieris japonica, the Japanese andromeda or Japanese pieris, is a plant in the heather family, Ericaceae. It is native to eastern China, Taiwan, and Japan where it grows in mountain thicket. It is also widely cultivated in gardens, and parent to the cultivated hybrid Pieris 'Forest Flame'.

Description Pieris japonica is a broadleaf evergreen shrub that typically matures to 9-12’ tall with a dense, upright habit. It features drooping clusters (racemes to 6” long) of lily-of-the-valley-like white flowers in early spring. Serrulate, oblanceolate to obovate-oblong leaves (to 3.5” long) emerge orange-bronze but mature to glossy dark green. Leaves are evergreen. Bead-like flower buds are set in late summer for the following year and provide winter interest and contrast to the evergreen foliage. Many cultivars are available featuring flowers in various shades of white, pink and deep rose. Synonymous with and sometimes sold as Andromeda japonica.

Genus name is the name of one of the Greek Muses.

Specific epithet means of Japan. The plant is poisonous if consumed by people or animals. The name "andromeda" originated from an earlier genus name for the plant. The flower blooms in February or March and lasts usually for two or three weeks. Culture Best grown in organically rich, slightly acidic, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. In St. Louis, Japanese pieris doesn’t seem to perform well in most locations. Summer foliage decline and reduced vigor results in weakened plants that may succumb to a harsh winter. It grows best in locations sheltered from wind with some afternoon shade. Remove spent flowers immediately after bloom. Garden Uses Effective when mixed with other broadleaf evergreens, especially rhododendrons which share the same acidic soil preference. Mass, group or specimen. Foundations, shrub borders.